sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil

Examples of sunflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ukraine supplies about 15% of global maize exports and 10% of wheat, and is the world’s top exporter of sunflower oil. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026

The room opens onto the dining room, centered on a Børge Mogensen Øresund table surrounded by Gio Ponti chairs and a bouquet of sunflowers resting on it. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

This daily movement is driven partly by the sunflower’s internal circadian clock, which coordinates growth on different sides of the stem. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Nov. 2026

Add 1 cup raw sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and/or coarsely crushed raw nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and/or hazelnuts) and stir to coat. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds